The Who's Farewell Tour: The Zak Starkey Controversy and Roger Daltrey's Response
Roger Daltrey has expressed his disappointment over the recent controversy surrounding Zak Starkey's departure from The Who. Starkey, who had been with the band for nearly three decades, was initially let go after an incident during a performance at Royal Albert Hall. Daltrey cited issues with Starkey's drumming style, which affected his ability to sing during the show. Despite being rehired shortly after, Starkey was once again dismissed, claiming he was asked to lie about his departure from the band.
In a recent interview, Daltrey clarified the events at Royal Albert Hall, explaining that the sound setup during the performance made it difficult for him to hear the key, leading to the onstage incident with Starkey. He emphasized that the situation was a misunderstanding and not a personal attack on Starkey. Daltrey expressed his dismay over the fallout from the incident, describing it as a form of character assassination.
Following Starkey's departure, The Who embarked on their farewell tour, titled The Song is Over, with Scott Devours stepping in as the new drummer. The tour kicked off in Italy and is set to make its way to the United States in August, culminating in a final show in Las Vegas in September. Despite the lineup changes, Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend affirmed their commitment to The Who, asserting their roles as the core members of the band.
The ongoing saga surrounding Zak Starkey's exit from The Who has shed light on the challenges faced by the iconic rock band. As they continue their farewell tour, fans can expect a memorable experience as The Who bid farewell to their legendary career.